Measure J on June ballot could help reopen Hiddleson Pool

As Measure V sunsets this year, an extension of the quarter-cent sales tax is proposed in the form of Measure J on the June ballot.

Measure V was a temporary revenue measure approved by voters in 2010 to help offset the city's budget crisis at the time. If its extension is approved, Measure J would go for eight years to 2022, instead of four years.

According to advisory measures, the money generated would be used primarily to provide recreational programs — including the possibility of re-opening Hiddleson Pool, library services, public safety and even help out senior citizens on fixed incomes or low-income families with their water and sewer payments.

"Measure V was presented to voters in 2010, in the midst of the prolonged recession, when the city was facing an estimated $6 million deficit," explained Woodland City Manager Paul Navazio. But the city is not out of the woods yet, he added.

"(The) city has made significant progress in stabilizing its budget; however, the current forecast reflects a remaining 'structural deficit' of slightly over $1 million — in part from applying very conservative revenue assumptions over the next three years," said Navazio.

The city's 2014-15 budget assumes the expiration of Measure V, and does not take into account the potential $2 million per year if Measure J is passed.

"Measure J is not being proposed to help balance the budget; rather, it is being proposed to help restore critical programs as we continue to work on long-term stability," Navazio explained. "Measure J would provide funding primarily to reinvest resources in areas most directly tied to improvements in overall quality of life for the youth of our community."

• Establish a utility rate-payer assistance program for seniors and low-income families

A series of non-binding advisory measures have been placed on the ballot to allow voters to also weigh-in on the priority of program areas for Measure J. Measure K states that 60 percent of the funds will be used to expand and enhance youth and teen program facilities, including means to support re-opening Hiddleson Pool and reducing fees charged for city recreation facilities.

Measure L allots 20 percent of the funds to the Woodland Public Library to enhance youth literacy programs and expand hours of operation.

"The goal of seeking extension of the sales tax is to provide resources to affect positive and lasting impacts on Woodland's youth, and that such impact is best achieved over time through sustained effort and careful application of resources," said Navazio. "In bringing this measure forward, staff and council concur with the notion that the city should not rely on voter-approved tax measures to sustain these efforts indefinitely.

"To this end, the goal would be to gradually wean the city from reliance on this voter-approved revenue stream — over time — such that programs can be sustained, as desired, from revenues derived from future economic growth and revenue-generating development activity."